We are now entering the Shane universe... The one and only time Van Heflin worked with Judy Garland in any significant capacity was on the 1943 film, Presenting Lily Mars, a light fun comedy that showed both actors to their best advantages and sometimes unexpected ones. Lily Mars (Judy Garland) is a native of Midhaven, Indiana … Continue reading Van and Judy
During World War Two: The Pacific Theater (Part One)
The war in the Pacific and the events leading up to it are very seldom taught, if ever, in schools today. In my case, and it's probably the same for a lot of film buffs and history lovers, movies made about that part of World War Two sparked interest in learning more. It's a complicated … Continue reading During World War Two: The Pacific Theater (Part One)
Brave Walter Mitty
I'll see you in my dreams... I remember reading "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" in the eighth grade because my lit teacher, Mz. Howell was a big James Thurber fan (Yes, she spelled her "Ms." with a "Z." She was a fun lady.). Anyway, the story was originally published in the March 18, 1939 … Continue reading Brave Walter Mitty
For Your Entertainment
Our state fair is a great state fair. Don't miss it, don't even be late. It's dollars to donuts that our state fair is the best state fair in our state... 1945 was a weary year, but with the end of the war in August everyone was looking ahead to happier times and simple fun. … Continue reading For Your Entertainment
At the Very Beginning
Production Code Time... The onscreen and offscreen partnership of Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn is the stuff of legend, and it all started with the 1942 film, Woman of the Year. The story of two rival columnists, it's a classic battle of the sexes. Tess Harding (Katharine Hepburn) is an international affairs columnist for the New York Chronicle. … Continue reading At the Very Beginning
Stage To Screen: Cry ‘Havoc’
Happy New Year, everyone! How were your holidays? My son has a few days of vacation left before the rat race starts again, and we're savoring these last little bits of carefree non-scheduled time. Lots of binging on DVDs, for one thing. And Sims 3. Anywhoo... As we've talked about before, Hollywood had to get … Continue reading Stage To Screen: Cry ‘Havoc’
Being Fay Bainter
Gotta watch those character actors... Only ten actors to date have been nominated for Best and Supporting Actor or Actress in the same year. Fay Bainter is the first one. Fay Bainter was biz-ee. She was an able supporting player, and her work spans radio, film, television, and stage. Mostly stage, though. Born in Los … Continue reading Being Fay Bainter
Semper Fidelis
As I've said before, with many of their bigger stars and directors overseas, Hollywood studios had to get creative as to what kinds of films they made. Actors and actresses who normally played character or supporting roles were commonly moved into lead parts, and one example of this is the 1943 film, Salute To the Marines. Featuring … Continue reading Semper Fidelis
Taking Up Room 